Entry
ぼそり
bosori
Muttering or murmuring a few words very quietly.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes the act of saying something in a low, quiet voice, often just a brief utterance. It is typically used when someone mutters to themselves or speaks briefly without expecting a reply.
- muttering
- brief whisper
Sense Map
Quiet Voice
Saying something very quietly and briefly.
ぼそりと答える
Muttering Complaints
Muttering a complaint or dissatisfaction to oneself.
文句をぼそりとつぶやく
Usage Note
How to Use
ぼそりと + verb (言う, つぶやく)
Used with speaking verbs to indicate a very quiet way of talking.
ぼそり + と + quote
Used before quoting what was said briefly and quietly.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぼそりと言う
say quietly
ぼそりとつぶやく
mutter quietly
ぼそりと答える
answer weakly
ぼそりと漏らす
leak a quiet complaint
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Muttering to oneself | neutral | Describes an utterance that naturally slips out. |
| Expressing dissatisfaction | negative | Often used when someone is slightly annoyed but doesn't want to make a loud complaint. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼそぼそ ぼそぼそ / contrast | For continuous mumbling. | Unlike 'bosori' which is a single brief utterance. | ぼそぼそと話す |
ひそひそ ひそひそ / nearby | For whispering intentionally so others cannot hear. | Not used for muttering to oneself like 'bosori'. | ヒソヒソと相談する |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'bosori' for speaking quietly but clearly to an audience.
'Bosori' is for muttering or a brief utterance that others might not hear.
Using 'bosori' for someone talking continuously in a quiet voice.
Use another expression for continuous quiet talking. 'Bosori' is for a brief utterance.
Examples
Examples
彼はうつむいたまま、ぼそりと「ごめんなさい」と言った。
かれ は うつむいた まま、 ぼそり と 「 ごめんなさい 」 と いった。
He looked down and muttered "I'm sorry" softly.
LiteralUsed for a short, quiet statement.
誰もいない部屋で、ぼそりと独り言をつぶやいた。
だれ も いない へや で、 ぼそり と ひとりごと を つぶやいた。
In the empty room, I muttered something to myself.
LiteralCommonly used for talking to oneself.
彼女はテレビを見ながら、ぼそりと文句を漏らした。
かのじょ は テレビ を みながら、 ぼそり と もんく を もらした。
While watching TV, she muttered a complaint.
LiteralUsed for minor, passing complaints.
難しい質問に対して、生徒はぼそりと答えた。
むずかしい しつもん に たいして、 せいと は ぼそり と こたえた。
In response to the difficult question, the student answered quietly.
LiteralImplies a lack of confidence or reluctance.
帰り道、友人がぼそりと「疲れた」とこぼした。
かえりみち、 ゆうじん が ぼそり と 「 つかれた 」 と こぼした。
On the way home, my friend muttered, "I'm tired."
LiteralDescribes an honest thought slipping out.
Similar Words
ぼそぼそ
bosoboso
Describes speaking in a low, unclear mumble, or the texture of food that has become dry, crumbly, and tasteless. Used for continuous mumbling, unlike the brief 'bosori'.
ヒソヒソ
hisohiso
This word describes the sound or action of speaking in a very low voice or whispering. Used for intentional whispering, not just muttering to oneself.
Questions
What is the key characteristic of 'bosori'?
'Bosori' is used for a brief, single utterance, not for continuous quiet talking.
Can 'bosori' be used for whispering secrets?
It is better to use 'hisohiso' for intentional whispering. 'Bosori' is more appropriate for muttering.
Does 'bosori' have a negative connotation?
Not always, but it is frequently used when someone is muttering a complaint or speaking reluctantly.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2244500
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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